Proposed Cuts to Senior Services May Impact Aid for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse

A proposed $39 million in cuts to New York’s senior services would have serious consequences for the elderly. The cuts include the shutdown of multiple senior centers and the elimination of funding for elder abuse victim services.

It estimated that there are 120,000 cases of elder abuse in New York City alone, a majority of which go unreported. Oftentimes it is someone entrusted with a senior’s care who engages in negligence or abuse.

Nursing home abuse can take many forms. These include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and financial exploitation. Since seniors may be unable or embarrassed to come forward with allegations of abuse, it is important for loved ones to watch for signs that something may be wrong. Besides the obvious signs of bruises and wounds, other signs of abuse may include unresponsiveness, infantile behaviors, withdrawal and unusual financial transactions.

Nursing home neglect is also prevalent. Signs of neglect include bedsores, dehydration, malnutrition, falls and bed-related strangulation or suffocation.

The seriousness of the problem of nursing home abuse and neglect makes the possible elimination of funding for elder abuse victim services unfortunate. As some of society’s most vulnerable members, the elderly often need people to advocate on their behalf.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable nursing home abuse attorney can stand up for victims’ rights and work to see they are compensated for their suffering.

Source: National Center on Elder Abuse